This post is in collaboration with Simply Stylist and Dove. All thoughts, opinions and reviews are my own.
Year after year, the start of spring brings a serious case of wanderlust. Maybe it’s a result of so many years of spring break vacations or just an overall excitement for the warmer months to come. Either way, I can’t help but get a little giddy at the idea of taking a week off and trotting off to sip cocktails on the beach. Lets be serious, even though I live in a vacation hot spot I’m not exactly lounging on the beach all day (I wish!). With that being said, I do plan to carve out a little time in the next few weeks for a staycation and I’m guessing that most of you are getting ready to jet off on a tropical getaway yourselves! If you’re headed to Honolulu, I’ve compiled my guide to all things you need to bring, see and do!
When it comes to packing for a week away in Hawaii, there are a few beauty items that should be at the top of your list: sunscreen (duh), punchy nail polish, bright lipstick and a really good deodorant…all of which will keep you looking and feeling you best from a morning hike to an afternoon at Waikiki beach, followed by a happy hour Mai Tai overlooking Diamond Head.
If you haven’t already, you must check out Dove Dry Spray! I love it because it provides all the odor and wetness protection you need in Hawaii’s heat and also goes on instantly dry with no visible residue (a must with resort wear!). Plus, it leaves your underarms feeling soft and smooth. So glad Dove sent to me to try!
Other must-pack items for a tropical getaway include a chic pair of sunnies, oversized sun hats and of course as many colorful sundresses as you can fit in your suitcase! They’re ideal to dress up up for dinner and cocktails and they double as a chic cover-up for the beach or pool!
Packing for a tropical vacation is only the beginning…finding the best spots to visit, restaurants to try and must-see destinations is what a tropical getaway is all about.
Here are a few of my favorite spots in Honolulu and the island of Oahu…
Must See:
Diamond Head Crater
North Shore – Haleiwa , Turtle Beach
Kailua and Lanikai Beach
Makapu Lighthouse
Waikiki Beach
Pali Lookout
Best Spots to Shop:
Waikiki
Ala Moana Center
Boutiques in Haleiwa
Boutiques in Kailua
Favorite Activities:
Hike to the Makapu Lighthouse
Hike to the Manuwilli Waterfall, jump from the top of the falls
Hike Lanikai Pillboxes
Rent bikes in Kailua
Stand Up Paddle or Kayak to the Mokes in Lanikai
Snorkel at Sharks Cove
Surf in Waikiki
Visit Doris Day’s Estate- Shangri La
Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens
Eat:
Happy Hour Mai Tai at the House Without a Key
Poke Bowl from Hibachi
Acai Bowl from Diamond Head Health Bar
Dinner at Town
Dinner at the Kailua Farmers Market
Lunch at Diamond Head Market
Coffee at Island Vintage
